Finding Time

Finding Time

Sam Petitfils

“. . .making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” Ephesians 5:16

How can we find time to seek God when so many demands are placed on us? We have jobs to go to, families to care for, church activities to attend, and other obligations that seem to eat away our time. But Paul, in the verse above, cautions us against wasting time. He even provides a reason: the days are evil. Yes, evil surrounds us and would like to swallow us up whole. We, therefore, must take ruthless measures to take back this time for God. Here are some helps:

1) Be fixed on your priorities.
Most people claim to have priorities, and can even state them, but does a review of their life in the past week support such claims? When we do an inventory of how we spend our time, most of us could do better. Our greatest priority is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and strength. Ask God for strength to keep this command.

2) Streamline your life.

In order to see where we waste time, we should do an honest inventory of our life, how our time is spent. God is not surprised at the modern pace of life. He has provided us with time to seek Him, but we must cut other things out, if need be. What is important in life? Some people rush about from activity to activity, believing somehow that it pleases God, but Jesus showed Martha differently (Luke 10:38-42). What can you discard so that you may give God quality time?

3) Steal time.
Stealing is wrong, but stealing time is divine. By this we mean claim time for God when opportunity presents itself. For example, you could download a Bible on your smart phone so you can read while waiting for your dentist to call you in. You can listen to worship music in your car, and pray while walking, and hear sermons while driving. Whenever opportunity presents itself, we can “steal” it for God.

4) Pray about your schedule.
Ask God for the time to spend with Him, even if the task seems great. By far, the busiest people are young mothers looking after little ones. It seems as if they require their constant attention. Ask God for time to read His Word and pray. You might be pleasantly surprised how quickly God answers. Ask God to speak to you about how to reorganize your day so as to make time for Him. God knows your heart, and will help you.

5) Get back up.
When you have fallen under the pressure of mounting obligations, get back up with a renewed commitment to spend time with God, but you must not grow discouraged. The task indeed seems hard, but God will show you how to do it (Philippians 4:13). Falling does not mean failure, and God lovingly forgives us of our shortcomings.

Can we overcome the demands of a culture caught up in the rush of life? Not on our own. We will need God’s wisdom and strength to pull it off. But remember, the One in you is greater than the one in the world (1 John 4:4). He will help you to claim precious moments for His glory, and provide time to feast at His table.